University College Cork, Programme for Planning and Sustainable Development

Bernard Dwyer, Jonathan Hall, Gregor Herda

Working Title

Can the planning system assist in strengthening the viablity of CHP systems in residential or commercial developments in Ireland?

Abtract

With the exception of Greece, Ireland is the lowest user of CHP in the EU-15 (CHP Policy Group 2006: ii). This project proposes to examine the reasons for the lack of uptake of this new technology in Ireland and make comparisons with the extent of CHP implementation in Denmark.

We will examine the importance of spatial aspects such as residential density as well as legislative and economic considerations. In particular, it will be examined whether a correlation exists between residential building types and CHP use in Denmark and elsewhere. The final proposal will put forward a viable strategy to implement a residential pilot project within the Cork region which could potentially be rolled out to other suitable developments in Ireland.

Previous research has indicated problems of implementation in Ireland on the grounds of CHP systems favouring sites with ‘steady coincident thermal and electrical demand’ such as industrial sites with large process heat while being less suited for domestic applications (Cullen & McGovern 2009). In light of the significant market penetration of residential CHP systems in Denmark and elsewhere we would like to further explore this basic assertion.

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Note

We would like to let you know beforehand that we will be away on fieldtrips from March 2nd-7th and from April 2nd-9th and will unfortunately not be unable to attend the two audio conferences. We will, however, be available at any other time.